US8181810B2 - Drinking cup having storage compartment and lever actuated seal for drinking area - Google Patents

Abstract

A container and a lid for a container or container is provided. The container includes a lid and container body to which the lid is attached. The container may further include a storage compartment attached to the end of the container body. The lid includes a lid body defining a drinking aperture providing access to a central cavity of the container. The lid includes a snap closure pivoting relative to the lid body between an open position permitting fluid to pass through the drinking aperture, a first closed position with a portion of the snap closure is only biased against, but not engaged with, the lid body to prevent fluid to pass through the drinking aperture and a second closed position wherein the snap closure is engaged with the lid body.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS

This patent application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/165,352, filed Mar. 31, 2009, the entire teachings and disclosure of which are incorporated herein by reference thereto.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention generally relates to liquid containers and more particularly containers for holding drinks and more particularly to containers for holding drinks that include lids with re-sealable openings.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Due to the high pace of society, many people drink liquids while on the move, such as in a car or while walking down the street. However, due to the movement which can generate bouncing and splashing of the liquid within the container holding the drink, many of these containers, such as coffee mugs and the like, have lids to prevent the liquids from spilling. However, the inclusion of the lid did not completely prevent leaks and spills. More particularly, spills continued to occur with the inclusion of the lid through vents in the lid that facilitated drinking as well as through the drinking aperture itself.

As a result, mugs began to include closures or caps that sealed off the drinking aperture. However, many of the closures or caps were difficult to operate such that the user would usually either leave the closure or cap in an closed position or an open position and either be prevented from drinking or defeating the purpose of the cap or closure altogether.

The present invention relates to improvements in the drinking container art and particularly to drinking containers including lids that have movable closures for sealing off a drinking aperture through the lid.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides numerous features and benefits that may be used and/or have utility individual or in combination. The present invention provides a new and improved lid for a container and more particularly a new and improved lid for a container that provides multiple levels of sealing between a snap closure and the lid body to prevent leakage through a drinking aperture of the lid body.

In a first embodiment, a new and improved container incorporating a lid according to the invention is provided. The container includes a container body and a lid attached to the container body. The container body has an annular sidewall extending from a closed bottom. The annular sidewall and closed bottom define a cavity for storing a liquid. The annular sidewall has an open end opposite the closed bottom. The lid releasably attaches to the open end of the container body. The lid includes a lid body extending across the open end of the container body and substantially closing the open end. The lid body includes a drinking aperture passing therethrough permitting access into the cavity through the lid body. The lid also includes a snap closure attached to the lid body that pivots relative thereto, The snap closure includes a drinking aperture plug aligned with the drinking aperture. The snap closure pivots relative to the lid body between an open position with the drinking aperture plug spaced away from the lid body to permit fluid flow through the drinking aperture, a first closed position wherein the drinking aperture plug is axially biased against an outer surface of the lid body and sealing the drinking aperture, and a second closed position wherein the drinking aperture plug is engaged within the drinking aperture.

In a more preferred implementation, the snap closure further includes a lever tab extending substantially perpendicular to the open end of the container body and a connection leg portion and a lifting leg portion extending substantially perpendicular to the lever tab. The connection leg portion operably attaches to lid body and the lifting leg operably substantially rigidly mechanically connects the lever tab to the drinking aperture plug. The lever tab is radially spaced outward from the annular sidewall such that biasing of the lever tab towards the annular sidewall is translated into axial biasing of the drinking aperture plug away from the lid body to open the drinking aperture.

In an even more preferred embodiment, the snap closure includes a hinge and pivot arrangement interposed between the lever tab and the connection leg and lifting portions. The hinge and pivot arrangement includes at least one cam surface resting against a fulcrum portion of the lid body. Typically, the fulcrum portion is a rim portion of the periphery of the lid body. The hinge and pivot arrangement pivot about the fulcrum portion to bias the drinking aperture plug away from the drinking aperture when the lever tab is biased towards the annular sidewall.

In one embodiment, the snap closure includes a first and second lifting leg portions. The connection leg portion is interposed between and laterally spaced from the first and second lifting leg portions.

In a more preferred embodiment, the hinge and pivot arrangement my include a first chamfer connecting the first lifting leg portion to the lever tab, a second chamfer connecting the second lifting leg portion to the lever tab, and a concave round connecting the connection leg portion to the lever tab. The first and second chamfers straddle the concave round. The first and second chamfers and concave round act to provide a bend point for the first and second lifting leg portions that is closer to the drinking aperture plug than a bend point for the connection leg portion. Adjustment of the hinge and pivot arrangement can provide for increased amount of preload biasing the drinking aperture plug towards the lid body as well as the amount of force and travel required to transition the drinking aperture plug away from the lid body.

In one embodiment, the engagement between the drinking aperture plug and the lid body in the second closed position is sufficiently strong to prevent disengagement therebetween by biasing the lever tab towards the annular sidewall a corresponding amount that would transition the snap closure from the first closed position to the open position. Alternatively, the engagement between the drinking aperture plug and the lid body in the second closed position is sufficiently strong to prevent disengagement therebetween by biasing of the lever tab towards the annular sidewall. These arrangements provide a sufficient level of restriction to prevent easily transitioning the drinking aperture plug away from the drinking aperture to avoid spilling during travel or movement of the container.

In a further implementation, a container lid is provided incorporating those features focused on the lid discussed above.

In yet another embodiment, a container is provided comprising a container body and lid. The container body has an annular sidewall extending from a closed bottom. The annular sidewall and closed bottom define a cavity for storing a liquid. The annular sidewall has an open end opposite the closed bottom. The lid is releasably attached to the open end of the container body. The lid includes a lid body extending across the open end of the container body and substantially closing the open end. The lid body includes a drinking aperture passing therethrough permitting access into the cavity through the lid body. The lid also includes a snap closure attached to the lid body pivoting relative thereto. The snap closure including a drinking aperture closure aligned with the drinking aperture. The snap closure is pivotable relative to the lid body between an open position with the drinking aperture closure portion spaced away from the lid body to permit fluid flow through the drinking aperture, a first closed position wherein the drinking aperture closure portion is axially biased against an outer surface of the lid body and sealing the drinking aperture, and a second closed position wherein the snap closure is secondarily engaged with the lid body to prevent the drinking aperture closure portion from being pivoted away from the drinking aperture.

Other aspects, objectives and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a top perspective illustration of a cup according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a top perspective illustration of a container body of the cup ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top perspective illustration of the lid of the cup ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective illustration of the snap closure of the lid ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective illustration of the lid body of the lid ofFIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional illustration of the cup ofFIG. 1 taken about line6-6;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial illustration of the cross-sectional illustration ofFIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a further enlarged partial illustration of the cross-sectional illustration ofFIG. 6 illustrating the hinge and pivot arrangement of the lid and snap closure;

FIG. 9 is further cross-sectional illustration illustrating the snap closure in a second closed position;

FIG. 10 is further cross-sectional illustration illustrating the snap closure in an open position;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged partial illustration of the hinge region of the snap closure; and

FIG. 12 is an exploded cross-sectional illustration of the container ofFIG. 1.

While the invention will be described in connection with certain preferred embodiments, there is no intent to limit it to those embodiments. On the contrary, the intent is to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents as included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a drinking cup100 (also referred to as “cup100”) according to an embodiment of the present invention. Thecup100 is more preferably in the form of a thermally insulated mug that does not include a handle for holding the mug. However, various ones of the features and benefits of the present invention can be incorporated into numerous vessels or containers for holding drinks

Thecup100 finds particular applicability for holding fluids such as coffee or tea. Thecup100 generally includes acup body102, alid104 and astorage compartment106. Thelid104 releasably attaches to an open end of thecup body102 to generally form an enclosed cavity for storing the fluids, such as when the user is not drinking from thecup100. Thestorage compartment106 attaches to a closed end of thecup body102, opposite the end to which thelid104 is attached. The storage compartment, in one embodiment, snap attaches to thecup body102 and is used to store product such as dry coffee or tea that can be added to a liquid, such as water, within thecup body102 to make the tea or coffee. Alternatively, sugar or creamer, or similar product, could be stored in the storage compartment for later use. Other embodiments, might utilize a threaded connection between thecup body102 and thestorage compartment106.

With reference toFIG. 2, thecup body102 generally includes anannular sidewall110 that has an openfree end112. The openfree end112 leads tocavity114 in which the liquid is stored. Theannular sidewall110 extends radially outward at the openfree end112 to form an undercut113 or catch arrangement for engagement with a cooperating structure oflid104 such that thelid104 can be attached to the cup body y to substantially close the openfree end112 when liquid is stored withincavity114.

Oppositefree end112 is aclosed end116 that forms a bottom of thecup body102. Theclosed end116 includes an undercut120 for attachment of thestorage compartment106. Theannular sidewall110 also includes a radially outward extendingportion122 proximate the bottom of thecup body102. As such, arecess124 is generally formed axially between undercut113 and radially extendingportion122. A shell, typically metal, may be attached to a thecup body102 between these two structures so as to provide an improved feel and look to thecup100. In such an arrangement, thecup body102 is typically a plastic material to reduce cost and provide additional thermal insulation. Therecess124 will, most typically, be about the same thickness as the metal shell or similarly arranged such that the metal shell is generally smooth with regard tofree end112 andclosed end116. However, the flared out portion offree end112 may extend radially outward past the outer surface of the shell so as to facilitate attachment oflid104 tocup body102.

Returning toFIG. 1 and with further reference toFIG. 3, thelid104 of the illustrated embodiment is a two piece assembly that includes alid body126 to which asnap closure128 is attached. Thelid104 operates to close thecup body102 while selectively permitting access to thecavity114 ofcup body102 to permit a user to drink the contents ofcup100.

With additional reference toFIGS. 3-5, thelid body126 includes adrinking aperture130 through which liquid can exit the cavity of thecup100. Thesnap closure128 can be selectively pivoted relative to thelid body126 between various positions so as to selectively open and close thedrinking aperture130.

Thelid body126 further includes aconnection aperture132 in which aconnection hub134 of thesnap closure128 is snap engaged to connect thesnap closure128 to thelid body126. Theconnection hub134 andlid body126 preferably form a sealing engagement to prevent leakage therebetween. Theconnection hub134 includes a catch formed by a radially recessedgroove136 in which theinner edge138 of thelid body126 is received to create an axial interference fit between theconnection hub134 andlid body126 to create the engagement and seal therebetween.

A pair of vent holes140 in thelid body126 interact with a pair of vent plugs142 on an underside of thesnap closure128 to permit venting of air when thesnap closure128 is in an open condition permitting fluid flow throughdrinking aperture130. However, in a closed condition of thesnap closure128, the vent plugs142 prevent fluid flow through the vent holes140 to prevent undesired leakage. The vent holes140 and vent plugs142 have cooperating contours to promote locating of the vent plugs142 in the vent holes140 and to facilitate an improved seal therebetween.

Thesnap closure128 further includes a drinking aperture closure portion illustrated in the form of adrinking aperture plug146 that acts to sealdrinking aperture130. Thedrinking aperture plug146 has an outer periphery that has a corresponding shape to thedrinking aperture130. In one embodiment, thedrinking aperture plug146 has an outer periphery that is slightly larger than thedrinking aperture130 such that it can seal thedrinking aperture130 in two ways.

Thesnap closure128 can provide a tight strong seal (see e.g.FIG. 7) that is difficult to open for situations when the user is not intending on drinking from the cup such as during standard transportation and a second closure that is not difficult to open for situations where the user is intending on repeatedly opening and closing thedrinking aperture130 in a short period of time.

In a first way, (illustrated inFIGS. 6 and 7), thedrinking aperture plug146 is press fit into thedrinking aperture130 to create a high level of engagement therebetween. This high level of engagement is sufficient that thesnap closure128 includes ahandle148 on an outer side thereof for engagement by a user's finger to permit disengagement of thedrinking aperture plug146 from thedrinking aperture130.

Preferably, but not in all embodiments, in this high level of engagement position, an interference fit occurs between the two parts. In one particular implementation, thedrinking aperture plug146 is formed from a lower density material relative to thelid body126 such that thedrinking aperture plug146 will deform radially inward when inserted into thedrinking aperture130. After press-fit insertion, portions the outer periphery of thedrinking aperture plug146 that were previously radially inwardly deformed that are axially below thelid body126 expand radially outward and overlap with thelid body126 to form the interference fit.

In alternative embodiments, thedrinking aperture plug146 anddrinking aperture130 could have cooperating catch arrangements, for example like theconnection hub134 andconnection aperture132. This arrangement is most likely used during movement of thecup100 when limited or no drinking will occur and there may be larger forces applied to thecup100 that could result in accidental leakage by altering the location of thedrinking aperture plug146 relative to thedrinking aperture130.

Further yet, in other embodiments, as noted previously, an interference fit is not needed but merely a friction fit is provided to securedrinking aperture plug146 withindrinking aperture130.

In a second way of sealing, (seeFIG. 9) thedrinking aperture plug146 is merely biased against thelid body126, but is not engaged therewith. More particularly, a continuous biasing force is required to maintain thedrinking aperture plug146 pressed against thelid body126. As used herein engaged requires more than mere abutting contact and thus two things that are merely held against one another by external forces are not engaged. This is the typical arrangement when a user is desiring to selectively and repeatedly drink from thecup100.

In this arrangement,outer chamfer150 of thedrinking aperture plug146 will be axially biased againstinner chamfer152bounding drinking aperture130. This arrangement provides some seal ofdrinking aperture130, but to a lesser degree than when thedrinking aperture plug146 is engaged intodrinking aperture130. In this second arrangement, thedrinking aperture plug146 acts more like a cover, rather than a plug.

With reference toFIGS. 1 and 7, while thesnap closure128 is snap connected to thelid body126, portions of thesnap closure128 can pivot relative thereto. Thesnap closure128 includes alever tab154 that a user can press towards thecup body102 to transition thedrinking aperture plug146 away from thedrinking aperture130. As illustrated inFIG. 1, thelever tab154 extends axially along thesidewall110.

Thesnap closure128 includes a pair ofouter leg portions160 that form lifting leg portions that straddle a singleinner leg portion162 that is a connection leg portion. A hinge andpivot arrangement164 is interposed between thelever tab154 andleg portions160,162. AU-shaped gap167 generally separates theouter leg portions160 frominner leg portion162 such that theouter leg portions160 can pivot relative toinner leg portion162.

Theouter leg portions160 are mechanically interposed between thelever tab154 and thedrinking aperture plug146. Theouter leg portions160 transfer loading applied to thelever tab154 by a user in a direction extending toward cup body102 (see arrow166) to thedrinking aperture plug146 such that thedrinking aperture plug146 is biased in a direction extending away from the top surface of the lid body128 (see arrow168).

Theinner leg portion162 is mechanically interposed between thelever tab154 and the connection hub. This arrangement keeps thesnap closure128 connected to thelid body126 when load, illustrated byarrow166, is applied to thelever tab154 by a user to open the lid (seeFIG. 10) to allow the user to drink from thecup100.

The hinge andpivot arrangement164 provides a camming arrangement that permits the loading, illustrated byarrow166, applied tolever tab154 by a user to lift thedrinking aperture plug146 away from thedrinking aperture130, such as illustrated byarrow168.

With primary reference toFIGS. 4 and 8, because thesnap closure128 is a continuous, one-piece construction (i.e. it is formed from a single continuous piece of material, such as molding, and not separate pieces of material held together by welds, snap engagements, screws, etc.) the hinge andpivot arrangement164 generally provides a living hinge between theouter leg portions160 andinner leg portion162.

Further, the pivot and hingearrangement164 provides three pivot segments including twoouter cams170 and oneinner pivot point172. Oneouter cams170 is associated with each of theouter legs160. Theouter cams170 are interposed between and generally provide the transition from thelever tab154 intoouter legs160. Theinner pivot point172 is associated with theinner leg162 and is interposed and generally provides the transition from thelever tab154 intoinner leg162.

Pivotsegments170,172 have inner surfaces that face towardslid body126. The inner surface of theouter cams170 form chamfers and the inner surface of thepivot point172 is a concave round.Lid body126 includes anouter rim174 that interacts with the chamfers of theouter cams170. Therim174 acts as a fulcrum to permit pivoting of the twoouter legs160 relative toinner leg162 and the rest oflid body126 so as to raise thedrinking aperture plug146 away fromlid body126 when a user applies loading tolever tab154.

When the user presseslever tab154 towards thecup body102, thesnap closure128 pivots about the interaction betweencams170 andrim174 causing portions of thesnap closure128 to tend to pivot (illustrated as arrow175) such that thedrinking aperture plug146 wants to move axially away from lid body126 (illustrated as arrow168) to the open orientation illustrated inFIG. 10.

However, becauseinner leg162 is attached tolid body126 viaconnection hub134, this portion of thesnap closure128 remains connected to thelid body126 and onlyouter legs160 pivot to transition thedrinking aperture plug146 away fromlid body126. Notably,inner leg162 may bow vertically upward, but in general, remains fixed relative tolid body126.

In the preferred embodiment, theouter cams170 are radially inward of the pivot point such that they contact therim174 while thepivot point172 does not. When a load is applied tolever tab154, theinner leg162 will bend atpivot point172 while theouter legs160 will apply a force at the ends of the chamfer of theouter cams170. This generates different bend points causing theouter legs160 to raise up as theinner leg162 bends aroundpivot point172. However, this is not required in all arrangements.

Because thedrinking aperture plug146 extends from an inner surface ofsnap closure128, the snap closure is in a state of pre-load when in the second seal arrangement, i.e. when thedrinking aperture plug146 is not engaged in thedrinking aperture130. Further assisting in pre-loading thedrinking aperture plug146 against the outer surface of thelid body126 is the fact thatcams170 may also raise the lever tab end of thesnap closure128 away from thelid body126 as well. However, theconnection hub134 tends to pull thesnap closure128 toward thelid body126 generating a torque biasing thedrinking aperture plug146 towards thelid body126. This torque is transferred frominner leg162 to theouter legs160 through the pivot and hingearrangement164. In this seal arrangement, sufficient force can be applied through thelever tab154, such as illustrated byarrow166, and the pivot and hingearrangement164 to bias theouter legs160 away from thelid body126 so as to open thedrinking aperture130.

This allows the user to selectively and repeatedly open and close thedrinking aperture130 as desired by pressinglever tab154.

It is preferred in the first seal arrangement (illustrated inFIG. 7) that the spring force generated by pressing thelever tab154 radially inward toward thecup body102 is insufficient to break the engagement between the drinkingaperture plug146 and the drinking aperture (i.e. the portion of thelid body126 forming/bounding the drinking aperture130). This provides the two different levels of sealing or restriction on the flow of fluid throughdrinking aperture130. Thus, this is whyhandle148 is added to thesnap closure128 so as to assist disengagement of thedrinking aperture plug128 from thedrinking aperture130 when in the first sealing arrangement.

While a particular hinge andpivot arrangement164 is illustrated, other arrangements are contemplated. For instance, the three segments could be replaced by a continuous chamfer extending across the width of theouter leg portions160 andinner leg portion162. Variations in the materials, shape and position of the hinge and pivot arrangement can assist in varying the amount of force and power generated to lift thedrinking aperture plug146 away from thelid body126 over a given degree of translation oflever tab154 towardcup body102. Variations such as changes in shape, location and thickness of the structure of the hinge andpivot arrangement164 can vary the pivot points for thevarious leg portions160,162 to be either closer or further from the central point of thelid body126 which adjust the travel of thedrinking aperture plug146 away from thelid body126 and consequently the amount of force required to move thedrinking aperture plug146.

Additionally, further embodiments of the invention need not include an actual plug that extends from the rest of the snap closure portion. Instead, a flat portion that is biased against the outer surface of thelid body126 would suffice. However, to provide the multiple levels of restriction to pivoting due to movement oflever tab154 alternative structure could engage thelid body126, but at a different location than drinkingaperture130. For instance, the vent plugs142 could snap engage withvent holes140 to provide the differing levels of resistance to opening of thedrinking aperture130.

All references, including publications, patent applications, and patents cited herein are hereby incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each reference were individually and specifically indicated to be incorporated by reference and were set forth in its entirety herein.

The use of the terms “a” and “an” and “the” and similar referents in the context of describing the invention (especially in the context of the following claims) is to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms “comprising,” “having,” “including,” and “containing” are to be construed as open-ended terms (i.e., meaning “including, but not limited to,”) unless otherwise noted. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. All methods described herein can be performed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the invention unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of this invention are described herein, including the best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Variations of those preferred embodiments may become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoing description. The inventors expect skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention to be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. Accordingly, this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Claims (16)

1. A container comprising:

a container body having an annular sidewall extending from a closed bottom, the annular sidewall and closed bottom defining a cavity for storing a liquid, the annular sidewall having an open end opposite the closed bottom;

a lid releasably attached to the open end of the container body, the lid including:

a lid body extending across the open end of the container body and substantially closing the open end, the lid body including a drinking aperture passing therethrough permitting access into the cavity through the lid body;

a snap closure attached to the lid body and pivoting relative thereto, the snap closure including a drinking aperture plug aligned with the drinking aperture; and

the snap closure pivotable relative to the lid body between an open position with the drinking aperture plug spaced away from the lid body to permit fluid flow through the drinking aperture, a first closed position wherein the drinking aperture plug is axially biased against an outer surface of the lid body and closing the drinking aperture and a second closed position wherein the drinking aperture plug is engaged within the drinking aperture; and

wherein the snap closure further includes a lever tab extending substantially perpendicular to the open end of the container body, and a connection leg portion and a lifting leg portion extending substantially perpendicular to the lever tab, the connection leg portion operably attached to lid body and the lifting leg portion operably substantially rigidly mechanically connecting the lever tab to the drinking aperture plug, the lever tab being radially spaced outward from the annular sidewall such that biasing of the lever tab towards the annular sidewall biases the drinking aperture plug axially away from the lid body to open the drinking aperture.

2. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the snap closure includes a hinge and pivot arrangement interposed between the lever tab and the connection leg and lifting portions, the hinge and pivot arrangement including at least one cam surface resting against a fulcrum portion of the lid body, the hinge and pivot arrangement pivoting about the fulcrum portion to bias the drinking aperture plug away from the drinking aperture when the lever tab is biased towards the annular sidewall.

3. The container ofclaim 2, wherein the snap closure includes a first and second lifting leg portions, the connection leg portion being laterally interposed between and laterally spaced from the first and second lifting leg portions.

4. The container ofclaim 3, wherein the hinge and pivot arrangement includes a first chamfered region connecting the first lifting leg portion to the lever tab, a second chamfered region connecting the second lifting leg portion to the lever tab and a concave round region connecting the connection leg portion to the lever tab, the first and second chamfered regions straddling the concave round region, the first and second chamfered regions and concave round region acting to provide a bend point for the first and second lifting leg portions that is closer to the drinking aperture plug than a bend point for the connection leg portion.

5. The container ofclaim 4, wherein engagement between the drinking aperture plug and the lid body in the second closed position is sufficiently strong to prevent disengagement therebetween by biasing the lever tab towards the annular sidewall a corresponding amount that would transition the snap closure from the first closed position to the open position.

6. The container ofclaim 4, wherein the engagement between the drinking aperture plug and the lid body in the second closed position is sufficiently strong to prevent disengagement therebetween by biasing of the lever tab towards the annular sidewall.

7. The container ofclaim 1, wherein the force axially biasing the drinking aperture plug against the lid body is provided by spring force due to bending within the snap closure.

8. The container ofclaim 7, wherein the snap closure is a continuous one-piece construction.

9. A container lid comprising:

a lid body including attachment structure to attach the lid to a corresponding cup, the lid body including a drinking aperture passing therethrough; and

a snap closure attached to the lid body and pivoting relative thereto, the snap closure including a drinking aperture plug aligned with the drinking aperture; and

the snap closure pivotable relative to the lid body between an open position with the drinking aperture plug spaced away from the lid body to permit fluid flow through the drinking aperture, a first closed position wherein the drinking aperture plug is axially biased against an outer surface of the lid body but not engaged therewith and closing the drinking aperture and a second closed position wherein the drinking aperture plug is engaged within the drinking aperture; and

wherein the snap closure further includes a lever tab extending substantially perpendicular to the lid body, and a connection leg portion and a lifting leg portion extending substantially perpendicular to the lever tab and parallel to the lid body, the connection leg operably attached to lid body and the lifting leg operably substantially rigidly mechanically connecting the lever tab to the drinking aperture plug, the lever tab being radially spaced outward from an outer peripheral rim of the lid body and biasing of the lever tab radially inward toward the lid body is translated into axial biasing of the drinking aperture plug away from the lid body to open the drinking aperture.

10. The container lid ofclaim 9, wherein the snap closure includes a hinge and pivot arrangement interposed between the lever tab and the connection leg portion and lifting leg portion, the hinge and pivot arrangement including at least one cam surface resting against a fulcrum portion of the lid body provided by the outer peripheral rim, the hinge and pivot arrangement pivoting about the fulcrum portion to bias the drinking aperture plug away from the drinking aperture when the lever tab is biased radially inward.

11. The container lid ofclaim 10, wherein the snap closure includes a first and second lifting leg portions, the connection leg portion being interposed between and laterally spaced from the first and second lifting leg portions.

12. The container lid ofclaim 11, wherein the hinge and pivot arrangement includes a first chamfer connecting the first lifting leg portion to the lever tab, a second chamfer connecting the second lifting leg portion to the lever tab and a concave round connecting the connection leg portion to the lever tab, the first and second chamfers laterally straddling the concave round, the first and second chamfers and concave round acting to provide a bend point for the first and second lifting leg portions that is closer to the drinking aperture plug than a bend point for the connection leg portion.

13. The container lid ofclaim 12, wherein engagement between the drinking aperture plug and the lid body in the second closed position is sufficiently strong to prevent disengagement therebetween by biasing the lever tab radially inward a corresponding amount that would transition the snap closure from the first closed position to the open position.

14. The container lid ofclaim 12, wherein the engagement between the drinking aperture plug and the lid body in the second closed position is sufficiently strong to prevent disengagement therebetween by biasing of the lever tab towards the annular sidewall.

15. The container lid ofclaim 9, wherein the force axially biasing the drinking aperture plug against the lid body is provided by spring force due to bending within the snap closure.

16. The container lid ofclaim 15, wherein the snap closure is a continuous one-piece construction.

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